Ortega Ridge Road is haunted by 3 ghostly nuns

Ortega Ridge Road is haunted by 3 ghostly nuns

Usa, north-america

Length

2.09 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Head to the Central Coast of California for a spooky little adventure on Ortega Ridge Road. This super short 1.3-mile stretch is totally paved and winds through Santa Barbara County, nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific.

But here's the eerie part: legend says this road is haunted by "Las Tres Hermanas"—three nuns who met a gruesome end during the Gold Rush. Keep your eyes peeled, because travelers often report seeing them on the side of the road, arms crossed. Some even describe ghostly apparitions with glowing blue eyes, dressed in habits, praying. Spooky! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the scenery is gorgeous, making for a memorable (and maybe slightly chilling) drive. Just go from Ortega Hill Road up to CA-192 and see what you find.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
2.09 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

How long is Loop Road Everglades?moderate

How long is Loop Road Everglades?

🇺🇸 Usa

Everglades Loop Road: An off-the-beaten-path adventure! Deep in the heart of Florida's Everglades National Park, this 24-mile loop (County Road 94/Big Cypress Loop Road) is a must-do for nature lovers. It starts and ends on US Hwy 41, about 40 miles from Miami. The first seven miles are paved, leading to the Loop Road Environmental Education Center - perfect for a picnic or a stroll on the Tree Snail Hammock Nature Trail. But after that, get ready for a true Everglades experience because it turns into gravel and dirt! Expect a slow pace – 20mph or less – because the road can get pretty rough. In the wet season (May-October), parts of it might even be underwater. While a regular car can handle it in dry weather if you take it slow to avoid potholes, high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The drive usually takes around 90 minutes if you stop a few times to take it all in, but you'll probably want to budget more time to really enjoy the views. You’ll cross through three counties (Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade), and the road showcases diverse habitats, with wildlife viewing opportunities at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators and other critters! The road is only about 18 inches above the surrounding landscape, so you are right in the thick of the nature. Pull over at the culverts and bridges, listen, and look closely into the water. You might just spot something amazing. And while the rumors swirl about Al Capone having a hunting lodge here, there's no real proof of his involvement.

How is the drive to Sullivan Mountain?extreme

How is the drive to Sullivan Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for a trek to Sullivan Mountain, a beast of a peak straddling the US-Canada border in the wild northeast corner of Washington! This isn't your Sunday drive – it's a proper off-road adventure up one of the state's highest routes, smack-dab in the middle of Colville National Forest. Starting from [starting location], you'll be tackling NF-245 (aka Sullivan Mtn Road). This is where things get real: it's narrow, rocky, and seriously rough. Get ready for a climb because the road throws six tight hairpin turns at you as you gain over 3,000 feet in elevation. Summer's peak brings its own set of challenges. Mountain bushes grow wild, encroaching on the road. If you're precious about your paint, prepare for some "pinstriping" from the branches! A high-clearance vehicle? Non-negotiable. You'll need it to navigate the deep ruts and seriously "tippy" sections. Sullivan Mountain has a history as a fire lookout, with a few different structures standing guard over the decades. While the current tower, built of timber, is no longer in use, it's an iconic landmark. Sadly, the lower stairs have been removed, so you can't climb up. Here’s the deal: about a mile from the summit, the road is gated. You'll have to park and hike the rest of the way up the old roadbed. It's a steep climb, but trust me, the solitude at the top is incredible. A word of caution: this is bear country. It's super remote near the Canadian border, so wildlife encounters are possible. Carry bear spray and stay alert, especially on that final hike. That solitude we talked about? It also means you're on your own if things go sideways. Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. The sweet spot to visit is mid-July through September. Always check the weather because if it's wet, the rocky dirt turns into a muddy mess, making the 10.9-mile round trip a real test, even for experienced drivers.

How long is Road Mexico 199?hard

How long is Road Mexico 199?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Road trippers, listen up! If you're craving a Mexican adventure with views that'll make your jaw drop, you NEED to add Mexico 199 in Chiapas to your bucket list. This wild ride stretches for 227 km (141 miles) between Palenque, nestled in the lowlands at a mere 60m (200ft), all the way up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, perched high in the Central Highlands at a cool 2,200m (7,200ft). Expect a fully paved surface, but don't think it'll be a walk in the park. This road throws steep climbs and hairpin turns at you like confetti at a fiesta. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Chiapas!

Where is the Black Hills Scenic Byway?hard

Where is the Black Hills Scenic Byway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising around southeastern Arizona? You absolutely *have* to check out the Black Hills Scenic Byway, tucked away in Greenlee and Graham counties near... well, basically the middle of nowhere! This hidden gem, built between 1914 and 1920, is also known as the Black Hills Back Country Byway. This isn't your average Sunday drive. At just over 21 miles, running from northeast to southwest (both ends connect to U.S. 191), it's a slow and steady adventure. Forget your low-rider; you'll need a high-clearance vehicle, and four-wheel drive is a lifesaver if you want to explore the side roads. Seriously, leave the travel trailer at home—anything over 20 feet long is a no-go. The drive itself, without stops, takes about 45 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop. You'll be winding through the northern end of the desert, topping out at over 6,300 feet above sea level! The scenery is breathtaking, but remember, Arizona weather is WILD. Pack layers, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Heads up: this isn't for the faint of heart. Think steep sections, narrow drop-offs, and blind curves. Mountain courtesy rules—uphill traffic has the right of way. The road is mostly unpaved, and you'll often find yourself sandwiched between cliffs on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Drive defensively, expect oncoming traffic around every bend, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!